Discipline

Proverbs 8:20a, 21a: "I lead in the ways of righteousness.....that I may cause those that love me to inherit substance."

As December approaches. it is important that we analyze our attitudes about this most popular time of the year.  I have recently read a Facebook post several times that challenges us to consider that the Holidays aren't always happy times for people.  There are countless reasons for this.

The above reference suggests that we righteously learn how to build "substance" into our lives so we can pass it on.  I believe this kind of substance refers to "the most important part of an idea" or " that which is real or practical in quality or character".

I've been reflecting on the importance of discipline in our lives. If we are disciplined, we will naturally have substance in our lives. It is so easy to live with the absence of reality or practicality and live instead in fantasy.

I watch the anticipation of Christmas build. Each year, we want to start earlier to celebrate it. Now, I love the warmth of the Christmas season if it is experienced in a proper way. It's kind of an introduction to cold weather, thus the warmth of hot drinks, pretty candles and the glow of a fire are inviting. I love soups, family gatherings, and fireside stories.

All this coupled with a celebration of Christ's birth make December a month to remember! Just those factors all combined give me a reason to love this time of year.

However, there are a hundred other factors added into the picture. Our culture invites us to be a part of financial, physical , emotional and spiritual stress during December. Just like we want to get rich overnight,  lose 30 pounds in two weeks, pass a test by cramming an hour before test time, or get ourselves in a mess and expect God to work a miracle, we expect December to be the last chance of the year to experience fulfillment and happiness!  This is very unrealistic!

I ask you, how in the world does this happen when we have a schedule so packed with parties and festivities that we are tired and irritated most of the time?  What happens to the budget when we buy impractical, expensive gifts for each other? We are angry at the ten extra pounds that shows up for every New Year's resolution. The emotions are raw. We feel unfulfilled after Christmas Day gifts are opened. Our spiritual life has suffered drastically over these December weeks.  We want it all to end and things to get back to normal. By the time the last bit of gift wrap is trashed and the pile of Christmas dishes are put away, we have forgotten whatever anticipation we felt on December 1.

I am part of the generation that wanted it all and wanted it now! That didn't work so we are now pursuing "simplicity" and " healthy lifestyles" in the same manner!  This is breeding a new culture who are expensively and enthusiastically pursuing everything that makes them feel  good.  It has introduced personal trainers to help you lose weight, yoga studios to help you spiritually connect with your inner self,  and myriads of whole food markets to let you choose all things natural to eat.  All this can be incorporated into the Christmas celebration and still be an unrealistic approach.

I'm a believer in old fashioned, pure and simple discipline.  If we only do things that feel good, we develop into selfish indulgent people or selfish simplistic people. Neither glorifies the Christ who we are honoring at this time of the year.

There is a spiritual, satisfying way to experience December.  Here's my suggestion: try combining simplicity and giving to produce satisfaction this year. Keep decorating simple and warm and Christ centered. Surround yourself with healthier food choices; try some new recipes.  Purpose to curb your indulgences. Try a year of giving gifts to those who  really need it.  Initiate a project for family participation. If you choose to do gift exchange with family or friends, only give affordable and needful gifts.  Pursue a humanitarian effort with your family for a different kind of fulfillment( children's or senior homes, soup kitchens, etc.) Then read faith building Christmas stories each evening.

This will require discipline and planning but will result in some worthy substance in your Christmas Season. You will feel so much more fulfilled when you get through the month. It will chase depression and help keep the budget on target. You will be much more energized physically. And I promise that you will feel much stronger emotionally and spiritually. And it can have a phenomenal effect on your loved ones!

Happy December!